Ambassador: Xi Jinping's Presence At The ASEAN Summit Is Still Under Discussion

Indonesian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China (RRT) Djauhari Oratmangun with the Spokesperson for the Vice President Masduki Baidlowi/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Indonesian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China (RT) Djauhari Oratmangun said the presence of RRT President Xi Jinping at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta 5-7 September 2023 is still under discussion. “ G20 President Xi Jinping is already present. So I think (the presence at the ASEAN Summit) is still in the process of discussing between the two countries,” said Ambassador Djauhari at the Vice Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, August 23. He said traditionally the head of government from China, in this case the Prime Minister of China, was usually present at the previous ASEAN Summit. Djauhari said Indonesia certainly hopes that the Head of Government/Prime Minister of China can return to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit this time. However, for the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, he has not been able to confirm. Furthermore, regarding the issue that China is pushing for Indonesia's participation as the BRICS economic group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), Djauhari admitted that he did not get the information. According to him, Indonesia's participation in BRICS will be determined based on the government's considerations, especially the recommendations submitted by the relevant ministers.

"What will happen in the future, right now the President, if I'm not mistaken, is visiting Africa, and may be present as an observer at the BRICS Summit, so I think it's in the decision-making process. I think it will be decided in the future, " he said.